"As a matter of fact, I do own the place," Eric said smugly.
"That can't be possible," snapped Clara haughtily as she lifted her nose pompously. "I know the man who owns this place. It was with his connection I used to rent this hall to host our reunion."
"Well, if you call your connection now you will learn that the place including this very hall has changed hands around—" Eric lazily glanced at his watch. "Ah, thirty minutes ago."
"I will take you up on that offer," Clara said bringing out her phone. "And when I am done, you'd better scurry out as fast as you can."
Eric laughed and somehow, the whole place seemed to brighten from his sudden smile. His eyes twinkled as he adjusted his tie. "Sure thing Clara Nightwood. But if I'm right, you'll be the one scurrying instead. Do you take me up on my offer?"
The haughty and vain Clara Knightwood had always been good at deciphering pricetags. Knowing her dignity was on the line, her eyes scrutinized Eric. From the expensive perm of his coiffed hair to the peerless skin to the handsome contours of his face. His eyes radiated confidence and his posture commanded respect. Then of course, there was the expensive suit brand and the golden watch and the subtle perfume. Clara was having second thoughts. Indeed, what average man would go through such lengths to pretend to be rich and claim to have acquired a much sought after event hall in just thirty minutes?
Clara's lips curled down as she put her phone away and folded her arms in readiness for a verbal battle. "Who are you?" she queried sharply, staring rather bravely at Eric who towered over her.
"My name is Eric Strauss," Eric said.
Gasps erupted across the hall as the weight of his claim began to sink in. But Eric paid them no heed as he briskly turned his attention to me. He seemed pleased that I was wearing the Sapphires he got me but his gaze darkened with worry once he glimpsed my cleavage, still drenched with the wine Mona had maliciously spilled on me.
I shrugged at his inquiring glance. Without hesitation, he pulled off his suit jacket and tossed it over my shoulders, straightening the collars in order to hide the stain on my dress.
"Give me a name Ronny," he appealed.
My gaze clashed with Mona's for a second but I pulled away before Eric could trace it, choosing to look at my feet instead. I already had my fair share of drama and I wasn't certain how James would react if he and Mona were suddenly confronted. A headache was beginning to seep into my temples and my bones felt heavy. All my adrenaline and bravado were clearly wearing off. I shook my head.
"I was already leaving."
Eric sensed my weariness and the fight left his eyes. "Alright, whatever you want. Let's leave."
"Hold on!" Mona blared before we could even take a step. "You can leave if you want to 'Eric', but Ronica's not going anywhere until she gives me her necklace and earrings."
Eric's brows drew in. I could tell that he was mildly surprised. Although I had told him about Mona's covetous tendencies, it was still rather galling to see her act it out in person. "Why would she have to do that?" Eric respectfully asked.
"Because her stones are fake!" Sandra declared matter of factly. "She tried to pass them off as the real ones not knowing Mona already had the real ones. To prevent any more misconceptions in the future, the fake stones have to be destroyed."
"How did you conclude Ronny's version is fake? Why can't Mona's be the fake ones?"
"First, she doesn't know the price. She claims a friend bought it for her but where could she see that kind of rich friend from? It is surely an imitation," Dennis explained.
"That's enough explanations. Give me the stones now Ronica!" Mona was beginning to sound unhinged. "Jimmy do something!"
I glanced at James finally remembering that I was yet to guage his reaction to seeing Eric. He seemed oddly calm and collected. "Are you really Eric Strauss?" he asked my companion.
"Of course he isn't!" Mona howled. "It'd take three lifetimes to build just half of the Strauss empire. Eric Strauss is an old man. Nobody has seen how he looks like and you think he's just going to waltz into a random celebration and reveal his identity for someone like 'her'? Guys, it's obvious she planned this. Admit it Ronica, you hired a riff raff off the street, dressed him up in fancy clothes, and asked him to pretend to be Eric Strauss. What did you promise him hmm? An exclusive night together?"
"Watch yourself before you say something you'll regret," I warned. Eric harboured years of resentment he wanted James to suffer for, but if Mona got in the way, she wouldn't even stand a chance.
"The only person regretting here today is you if you don't relinquish your jewelry to me right now. Jimmy, I want them."
"I assume you are the one who bought her the sapphires," James interrogated Eric.
"They were quite costly which made it befitting that Ronny should have them."
"And they say they are just friends, pish posh," Clara muttered under her breath but Eric heard her. We all did.
"Ronica is a very dear friend of mine. We have long history. We've know each other since we were children."
"Enough! I don't care if you both want to take your friendship to the next level." For what seemed to be the umpteenth time, Mona asked James to somehow seize the stones in my possession. But James looked slightly transformed, and greatly troubled. He looked like he had seen a ghost.
"Do I know you from somewhere?"
"Do you?" Eric returned the question.
"Jimmy, that's not what I asked you to do!" Mona's demanding scream brought James back to reality as he remembered his purpose to Mona. But since in truth, he was nothing more than a bully and I now had someone to protect me, James decided to take the civil approach.
"Name your price," he told Eric with head held high.
Eric tilted his head, feigning worry. "Are you sure your ego can take it?"
"Name it."
"Fine then. A hundred and one."
James heaved. "Done. Now Ronica, give Mona the accursed jewelry already."
"Are you sure?" Eric asked again.
"I will give you two hundred grand if you just shut up."
"Mr James Simmons, you must have misunderstood me. I do not speak the language of thousands. When I said a hundred and one, I meant a hundred and one million dollars."